Burden of anguish: Letter writer could solve 2002 murder of mother Kath Bergamin

THE author of an anonymous letter about the murder of Victorian mother-of-three Kath Bergamin is tormented by guilt, police say, as they urge the person to come forward.

THE AUTHOR of an anonymous letter about a mother-of-three’s murder is tormented by guilt, police say.

They have urged the person, who sent the letter to detectives investigating the 2002 disappearance of Wangaratta woman Kath Bergamin, to unburden themself and come forward.

Information in the letter is specific and credible, detective Sen-Constable Sophie Leete of the missing persons squad said.

“It’s obvious to me that the author has carried a great burden for all these years in regards to what has been done.

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Murder victim Kath Bergamin with husband John.

“I am urging the person who wrote this letter to please come forward and speak with me — I know this continues to weigh heavily on you.

“I need your help to solve this, to get Kath and her family justice.”

Sen-Constable Leete keeps a photo of Mrs Bergamin on her desk and is determined to solve the case.

The 37-year-old had split from her husband John in the period before disappearing from her Brien Crescent home on August 18, 2002.

Her body has never been found and a $1 million reward remains in place.

Adoptive mother and brother of Kath, Margaret Russell and son Roger.

“It is obvious to me that Kath had a really big heart and she was working hard to forge a new life for herself,” Sen-Constable Leete said.

“In today’s climate of discussion around violence against women I think Kath was really ahead of her time in standing up for herself and fighting for a new life.

“The only reason she stayed in Wangaratta was because she wanted to be close to her children, she loved them and was sad about what had happened to their family

and the relationship they had.

“I feel like she’s been robbed of a chance to have the life she deserved.”

Police hope evolving forensic technology can help them get more evidence from exhibits DNA tested from Ms Bergamin’s home.

They believe people other than the mystery letter-writer can help them solve the Bergamin case.

Tape used to tie up Kath Bergamin, who went missing in August 2002.

“I don’t know if people don’t want to come forward through fear or because they just didn’t want to be involved, but 16 years is long enough,” Sen-Constable Leete said.

“She deserves peace and justice and so does her family.

“These days we talk about people stepping up and taking a stand against violence — it’s time someone did that and stepped up for Kath.”

John Bergamin was charged in 2006 with the murder of his wife but the prosecution was withdrawn.

A 2008 inquest could not say who killed her.

Anyone with information or who wishes to speak to Sen-Constable Leete can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppers.com.au and arrange for her to call.

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